A JEWELLERY maker from Malvern has said she has been left distraught after a number of her rings were stolen by thieves from the town’s Tourist Information Centre.
Business owner Anna Mcloughlin and police have launched an appeal to help trace the ten rings following the theft which is believed to have happened on Saturday night/Sunday morning (January 9 or 10).
The rings had been showcased inside one of the windows of the Church Street building for about a week.
It is believed thieves smashed one of the windows of the centre to get access to the rings. Following the theft a window at the centre has been boarded up.
The sample rings were made by Miss Mcloughlin who runs her own jewellery business ‘Anna Fine Jewellery’.
Though they were not on display for sale, the rings taken are said to be worth a total around £2,500.
Speaking to the Observer, she said it was first time she had showcased sample rings at the window of the Tourist Information Centre.
“It’s just so upsetting that this has happened, it is very hard to take,” she said.
“Everything I make is a one-off so I have potentially lost about £2,500 worth of stock. As a sole-trader that’s an awful lot of money which I can’t afford to lose.
“I’ve been sharing the appeal out in the hope the rings can return. The support I have had so far has been great.”
Miss Mcloughlin added she was hoping to work through an insurance claim with Malvern Hills District Council which owns the tourist information centre building.
Simon Smith, economic development manager at Malvern Hills District Council, added: “It’s the first time anything like this has ever happened at the TIC and we’re shocked by this incident. Fortunately no one was hurt, a temporary repair was made to the window shortly after it was discovered and the TIC was able to open as normal.
“We’d urge anyone with any information which may help catch the person responsible and recover the stolen jewellery to contact the police.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101.
